The Mill is on a promise. Several promises, in fact; December looks like being a satisfying month of teasing, suggestion and innuendo. "Will I do much in January?" said the Sunderland manager, Martin O'Neill, wrapping a few strands of hair coyly around his index finger and giving the Mill the doe eyes. "I have mentioned before that we have less physicality than most Premier League teams; we would need a little bit more strength." After seeing his depleted side held by Norwich at the weekend, the Everton manager, David Moyes, also flirted with the idea of a bit of January action. "We need competition in all areas and that extends to Tim Howard in goal," he said, tickling the Mill right on the Jack Butland.

"Things will evolve once my players are in; you need a level of turnover," piped up the Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, saucily. Let's get it on, Merseyside! "I'm not so sure it will in January, to be honest." Oh. Ahem. "This year the club wanted to balance the books and see where we're at." Ahem. Well, it seems a shame to spoil the mood: let's revive the Darren Bent to Liverpool rumours. He'll probably be available on loan in the new year, if Paul Lambert keeps leaving him out. "I've got 26, 27 lads that I have to look after," reasoned the Aston Villa manager.

Now, the Mill can barely contain itself at the sight of Harry Redknapp strolling towards a transfer window, but Harry Redknapp in a new job? Thank you, Santa! And he knows all the best tricks. Queens Park Rangers can't just keep on signing players, he says, holding up his hands. No, no, make do and mend, there's plenty to work with here … but maybe just … well … it'd be lovely to sign David Beckham, wouldn't it? Just to brighten the place up a bit. "It could give the lads a boost having him around," Redknapp said. He's also being linked with a loan deal for Tottenham's Michael Dawson, becoming a permanent £10m move if QPR avoid relegation. Best not start packing just yet, Michael.

The Stoke City captain, Ryan Shawcross, is staying put, however, despite reported/made-up interest from Spurs, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United. "The people here have looked after me really well," he said, ahead of getting a new six-year, £45,000-a-week contract.

And finally: Ian Harte, 87, will move from Reading to Millwall in January.